Cruel World is back for 2025 featuring legendary headliners New Order and Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds.

Goldenvoice’s post-pandemic presence has been bigger than ever recently, with a slew of festivals that zero-in on a certain vibe, era, and nostalgia. May is a big month for the company. Everyone is finally caught up financially from Coachella and they’re ready to start the Summer right. Just Like Heaven and Cruel World is Goldenvoice’s answer for SoCal music lovers.

Cruel World goes down at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena and it is known for featuring some of the top acts in new wave and post punk. With Coachella turning 200% pop, rap, and EDM, it was only a matter of time for a party like Cruel World to come around catering towards the artists that used to be at the forefront of music festivals.

This year’s lineup features an outstanding combination of bands from different eras of new wave including DEVO, OMD, Garbage, She Wants Revenge, Chelsea Wolfe, and many more.

One unexpected reunion for Cruel World is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honorees The Go-Go’s, well known for their breakthrough hit ‘We Got The Beat’.

Tickets for Cruel World 2025 are available now with General admission tickets starting at $249 with payment plan options available.